Uses of white corn hybrids

Abstract

The present invention provides hybrid white corn that produces grain with novel compositional characteristics, such as, higher endosperm protein concentration and low levels of carotenoids. The compositional changes facilitate the use of an improved process for wet milling of white corn and improve the characteristics and performance of the products derived therefrom. A high protein, nearly carotene-free corn gluten meal and substantially pure starch are extracted from this white corn having a unique genotype, a unique kernel phenotype and advantage in the wet milling process is disclosed.

1. A method for extracting gluten protein of a white corn hybrid, comprising the steps of:
 a) selecting grain of a white corn hybrid producing by wet milling a gluten protein fraction comprising about 9% starch or less;  
 b) wet milling said grain selected according to step a); and  
 c) extracting the gluten protein fraction as a product of said wet milling of step b).  
 
     
     
       2. The method for extracting gluten protein according to  claim 1 , further comprising incorporating said gluten protein fraction, or a part thereof, into a white corn gluten feed. 
     
     
       3. The method for extracting gluten protein according to  claim 1 , further comprising incorporating said gluten protien fraction, or a part thereof into food products. 
     
     
       4. A method for extracting fiber from grain of a white corn hybrid comprising the steps of:
 a) selecting grain of a white corn hybrid producing by wet milling a fiber fraction comprising about 19% db protein or more;  
 b) wet milling said grain selected according to step a); and  
 c) extracting the fiber fraction as a product of said wet milling of step b).  
 
     
     
       5. The method for extracting fiber according to  claim 4 , further comprising incorporating said fiber fraction, or a portion thereof, into a white corn gluten feed. 
     
     
       6. The method for extracting fiber according to  claim 4 , further comprising incorporating said fiber fraction, or a portion thereof, into food products. 
     
     
       7. The method for extracting fiber according to  claim 4 , wherein said protein is about 70% soluble or greater. 
     
     
       8. A method for extracting gluten protein from grain of a white corn hybrid comprising the steps of:
 a. selecting grain of a white corn hybrid producing by wet milling a protein fraction of said grain that is about 73.0% db gluten nrotein or greater; and  
 b. wet milling said grain selected according to step a); and  
 c. extracting the gluten protein fraction as a product of said wet milling of step b).  
 
     
     
       9. The method for extracting gluten protein according to  claim 8 , further comprising incorporating said gluten protein fraction, or a portion thereof, into a white corn gluten feed. 
     
     
       10. The method for extracting gluten protein fraction according to  claim 8 , further comprising incorporating said gluten protein fraction, or a portion thereof, into food products.